PPC Techs has been making mobile accessories for a long time now, and they have just created a new brand called ADDO Accessories and launched its flagship product, the SlateShield case for iPad 2. The SlateShield Case is a top loading hard plastic case with a built-in stand and a handle that rotates 360 degrees. The case is ultra sturdy and protects the back and front edges of the iPad 2 like armor. If you carry an iPad 2 on your hand all day, this is one of the cases you should look at. It's a bit slimmer than the HandStand 2 case that also has a handle built-in.

Design

The SlateShield case for iPad 2 has an interesting design. The case comes in one piece with top of the case open for loading your iPad 2 into the case and closing it with a Velcro leather tab. The case is made with molded plastic to form fit the iPad 2 and has reinforced ABS for added durability. To put the iPad 2 into the case, slide it from the top opening until it?s all the way in, then close the Velcro tab on top. It?s easier to slide the tablet into the case, but it takes a bit of patience to get it out. To get the iPad 2 out of the SlateShield case, push the iPad 2 through the two cutout holes for the 30-pin connector and speaker grill until the bottom edge of the iPad 2 passes the front cover on the bottom, then slide the iPad 2 using the bottom edge of the tablet out of the case. The case has soft suede lining so your iPad 2 won?t get scratched.

The SlateShield case for iPad 2 has a round rotating handle on the back, though it?s not centered like the one on the HandStand 2 case. Since the case can rotate 360 degrees, we found that the handle worked nicely in either portrait or landscape orientation, and with either left hand or right hand holding the tablet. You just need to rotate the iPad 2 in the case to a position that feels the most comfortable. And often different apps run in different orientations, the SlateShield case for iPad 2 gives you real time adjustment that?s very handy and convenient. The hand strap is sturdy with an elastic strap framed by a thick piece of rubber for better grip and stability. Another great feature is that the hand strap is adjustable. You can loosen or tighten it with the Velcro in the center of the strap.

The SlateShield case for iPad 2 also comes with a thin plastic stand piece that hides under the handle when not in use. To use it, slide the plastic stand piece out, and lock the stand firmly to prop up your iPad 2 in either portrait or landscape orientation. The SlateShield also wraps around the sides of the iPad 2 and covers nearly ?? of the front bezel. You can certainly put the iPad 2 face down on a flat surface without worrying about the screen touching the surface as the SlateShield case?s thick front edges can protect the screen. The SlateShield case for the iPad 2 doesn?t come with a screen protector, but you can buy one from PPC Techs. The SlateShield case weighs 8 ounces.

Features

The SlateShield case for iPad 2 feels like a thick armor around the tablet, but it offers easy access to all ports and buttons. The case has two perfect cuts on the bottom to give you access to the 30-connector and the speaker grill. It has a cutout on the side for the screen lock button and the volume buttons. Since the top of the iPad 2 is open for easy loading, the power button and the audio jack are out in the open. The top closure tab does position itself on top of the mic, but there is a cutout in the closure tab to let the sound into the mic. Nice! There is also a cutout for the rear camera. You should have no trouble using any charging/syncing cable or audio headset/headphones with the iPad 2 in the SlateShield case. The case has semi circle cutouts for the Home button and front camera as well.

While the hand strap on the SlateShield case for iPad 2 is reasonably robust, the built-in stand is a bit thin. The stand has a lock piece that you can slide into the stability slot underneath the stand to keep the tablet reasonably steady while sitting on the stand, the thin material makes us worry that something will break off if not handled with care. Since the stand is built into the rotating handle, you can easily rotate the stand to prop up your iPad 2 in either landscape or portrait orientation, though you can have one viewing angle in each orientation.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a durable case with a built-in handle and a tablet stand, the SlateShield case for iPad 2 is a good choice. It?s easy to use, has cutouts for all ports and buttons, and the handle rotates 360 degrees. It?s a good alternative to the HandStand 2 if you need a built-in stand that props up the tablet in more straight up angles. The SlateShield case has a nice design, good material and robust handle. The stand piece is a bit too thin but it gets the job done. Just remember to use caution when you work with the stand. The SlateShield case is currently available for the iPad 1 and the iPad 2.